SKI BUMS detailed trip itineraries are designed to be viewed on any smart phone. Additionally, our trip leaders send up-to-the-minute alerts that you'll receive on your phone via SMS text messaging. It allows us to keep you in the loop and make smart adjustments based on the weather.

To learn more,
please see the valuable tips on our Communication page >
Big Sky blows our minds. We can’t wait to return for the third time, after unforgettable adventures here in 2009 and 2013.

This is the kind of resort that’s so great, you can’t help but wonder why it isn’t more crowded. The beginner and intermediate areas here have some of the most
purely fun runs in the whole USA, while the expert areas specialize in steeps that really get your heart racing. Perhaps that lack of crowds is because it’s also one of the largest ski resorts in the world, with more than a whopping 5,800 skiable acres. That’s an awful lot of room for everyone to spread out, and those non-existent lift lines make for an awfully enjoyable day!

If you dream of spectacular vistas and real tranquility -- when the only sound that breaks the silence is the sound of you carving turns in the snow -- Big Sky is the trip for you.
We can’t recommend it highly enough.

Space on this trip is very limited, and it is now SOLD OUT.

Add your name to the Big Sky Wait List >
Wednesday March 9 to Sunday March 13, 2021
3 -- Thursday through Saturday
Ski-in, ski-out — at base of Big Sky Resort
Excellent choice for all skill levels
$1299 per person
We reserve the right to cancel, reschedule, or make changes in the trip itinerary as a result of weather or safety considerations or as otherwise deemed necessary or advisable. If your trip is cancelled or rescheduled due to weather, snow, or mountain conditions, or circumstances beyond our control, you will receive a full credit for a future trip. All trip credits may be applied to any trip in the SKI BUMS future. There is no expiration date.

SKI BUMS is not responsible for the cost of any additional expenses that you may incur as a result of trip rescheduling or cancellation (airline ticketing fees, etc.).

To use a credit for a future deposit or payment, please
contact us directly.
Through November 1, you may cancel your spot at any time and receive a full refund. After November 1, the following cancellation fees apply:

For cancellations received from November 2 - December 1, $300 fee. For cancellations received from December 2 - December 31, $500 fee. After January 1st, 2015: no refund.

In order to obtain our bulk group discounts, we must agree to a very strict cancellation policy. It's the nature of group travel. Think of your SKI BUMS booking as you would an airline reservation; even we find someone to take your place,
the cancellation fees still apply.

If you buy travel insurance, you can still receive a refund for a cancelled SKI BUMS trip.

To cancel your SKI BUMS trip, click here >
Buy travel insurance. We cannot stress this enough.

A travel insurer can provide a refund even when SKI BUMS cannot. In the circumstance that you need to cancel your trip because of work or health reasons, you should purchase travel insurance within 30 days of your initial trip deposit.

Even if you purchase travel insurance after this date, some coverage is much better than no coverage at all. Our cancellation policy is strict, and after cancellation fees kick in, a travel insurer may be your only chance for a full refund.

There are many travel insurers, and policies are very affordable. We especially recommend
travelinsured.com, and suggest you add the sports package to cover skiing & snowboarding activity.
$1299 USD per person for double occupancy

— or —

$1799 USD per person, for single occupancy
$500 deposit due at sign up | Sign up for the trip >

Balance due January 1 |
To pay your balance online, click here >

These are the dates for those who sign up today. Pricing and payment dates may change for those who sign up at a later date, if space remains. Late payments are subject to a 5% late-payment fee. It is up to you to submit your payments on time. You may always pay early.
You may pay with any major credit card, cash or check.

We use PayPal to process online credit card payments. PayPal is the internet's most trusted online payment portal, and you do not need to be a PayPal member to submit a payment.

If you would ever like to use PayPal to send a manual payment (from a smartphone, for example), our account address is: payments (at) ski-bums.org.


PayPal mobile apps: iPhone / iPad / iPod TouchAndroid

Your trip includes a 3-out-of-4 day lift ticket for Big Sky.

If you or your travel partner
do not ski or snowboard -- or you've got a lift pass / season pass — we can remove the lift tickets from our package; contact us to make arrangements.
About a month before we travel, all participants will submit a Travel Portfolio, where we'll collect your flight information, dietary restrictions, roommate requests, emergency contact info, skill level, and other pertinent details. We'll email everyone and post the link here when it's time to submit it.
SKI BUMS designs our season for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, but we make specific recommendations for each trip. On ALL SKI BUMS trips, we begin by dividing into skill level groups so you can identify those who enjoy the same terrain that you do.

See how our groups work >

We highly recommend this trip for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

Beginners: If you're a beginner who is considering going out West with SKI BUMS this year, this is the trip we recommend most highly for you. Big Sky is a gorgeous place to learn, and the gradation from easy terrain toward intermediate terrain is blissfully forgiving. Instructors are great, too.

Intermediates: We very, very highly recommend this trip for intermediates. Some of the USA's most terrific, undulating blue runs are here. They're long, roller coaster hills with the space to just spread out and coast down the hill. This is a really, really fun mountain.

Advanced skiers and riders: Big Sky has some of the most challenging terrain in the USA. Have a look at the trail maps and check out the Lone Peak Tram -- that's your playground. Some of those lines are terrifically steep, and if chutes & bowls are your thing, you'll love it here. While you won't find as much lower mountain tree skiing or side country powder stashes as in Aspen Snowmass or Park City, when your legs are tired and you want a cruiser, the blues are fun, speedy and spectacular.

If you would like to discuss whether you and / or your travel partner will enjoy the terrain here,
please contact us before signing up.
Air transportation is not included. Read these recommendations closely before buying airfare.

Bozeman, Montana (BZN) is the nearest airport -- and it really caters to the ski market during the winter months. Prices can really fluctuate during the fall, so watch for fare sales and resist the urge to buy too early. The BUMS will fly in from multiple destinations, so there's no one flight we recommend, but our trip begins with a welcome reception at 8 PM on Wednesday, so read on.


PLANNING YOUR AIR TRAVEL

HEAD'S UP: You'll want to be smart and cautious about buying your airfare, so you can take advantage of the limited ground transfer options and optimize your arrival and departure days. Historically, the best time to purchase airfare for this travel period is in October or November.

Wednesday March 9
We suggest that you plan to land at Bozeman by 4 PM local time.

Sunday, March 13
We suggest that you plan to depart Bozeman after 11 AM local time.

- - - - - - - - -

Connect with the other BUMS on Facebook if you'd like to coordinate travel with others.
Transfers from the airports to our hotel are not included. You should budget about $80 for a round-trip transfer from Bozeman.

Karst Stage is what we recommend. They’re the main ground transfer company for those who visit Big Sky. Allow 90 minutes for travel time; if you fly on Wednesday and Sunday, you’re certain to have other BUMS on the same transfer to make the ride more fun. :)

Click here to view the schedule and make a reservation >
Big Sky Resort is a real crowd-pleaser… without the crowds. When it combined with neighboring Moonlight Basin a few years ago, it rightfully claimed itself as “the biggest skiing in America.” While competing conglomerates are busy trying to knock it off that perch, Big Sky is simply getting down to business, doing what it does best: offering up incredible terrain, reliable snow, warm hospitality and jaw-dropping vistas.

In many ways, skiing and riding at Big Sky feels like the Alps; the upper reaches of the spectacular
Lone Peak stretch above 11,000 feet, offering incredible on-piste and off-piste terrain all the way down its massive 4,350 foot drop. If you’re looking for some excellent quad-burn, you’ll find it here. There are more than 300 distinct runs, seven terrain parks, and thirty-four lifts. And the whole thing is a giant magnet for snow storms, averaging more than 400” inches of fluffy powder.

Not far from Big Sky is the stunning ecological wonderland of
Yellowstone National Park. On previous SKI BUMS trips, a handful of participants have extended their trip with a day or two to see the sights, and it’s well worth it… especially if you’ve never visited. Park access roads change considerably during the winter, so be sure to do your research to see what’s open. Start here.

All in all, Big Sky is the kind of destination that sits on many skiers’ and riders’ wish lists… and now’s the time to see why everyone loves it so much!
SKI BUMS anticipates what you'll need to know, and when you'll need to know it. We email valuable pre-trip information to all our participants, in numbered Info Packs. You'll need to receive them and read them closely, so it's crucial that you've provided an email address to us that you check regularly. Gmail users: you need to take extra steps to see our emails.

Click here to view instructions >

The vast majority of our important trip info is located right here on this page.
Bookmark it!
Who's coming on the trip? Find out by joining our special SKI BUMS Big Sky Facebook Group. Whether you're simply curious about signing up or you're already on board, everyone's welcome to join this Facebook group. Feel free to invite friends, too -- it's a cool way to begin learning names of the skiers and boarders who you'll meet when we're in Canada! if you decide not to join us, we'll remove you from the group before the trip begins.

In advance of the trip, the BUMS use this group to share travel plans and coordinate meet ups for ground transfers. During and after the trip, they share pics and messages with one another. You'll see posts like "who's on the 1 PM flight through Minneapolis?” and "who's up for fresh tracks tomorrow?"

Request to join the Big Sky Facebook group >
Of course, weather is impossible to predict, but SKI BUMS plans our trips with an eye on weather history. Snowfall at Big Sky is reliable from December through early April. Historically, March delivers gorgeous conditions; our dates are at the start of the spring skiing season. Average high temps on the mountain reach toward the comfy upper 20’s (the high altitude here means it’s rare to see any slush until April). Big snow storms are common through all of March and beyond; there's a very good chance of fresh powder snow storms during our visit.
Our rooms are guaranteed after 5 PM on Wednesday the 9th. When you arrive, you'll simply check in at the hotel as your normally would. You’ll simply put down a credit card for any incidental charges.
Our trip officially begins with a meet & greet at 8:00 PM. This is your opportunity to meet your trip leaders, connect with your fellow BUMS, and hear cool details about what the trip has in store. We’ll have free snacks and appetizers on hand, but try to eat dinner beforehand if you can.
This trip has a minimum of 20 participants. If we fail to meet our minimum number of registered participants by 60 days before the trip, the trip may be cancelled. In that event, those who have signed up for the trip will receive a full refund.
+ Four night stay at the stylish, comfortable, ski-in, ski-out Summit at Big Sky
+ A prepaid delicious group dinner at the Rainbow Ranch (with transportation included)
+ Daily breakfast buffet
+ Three day lift pass for Big Sky resort
+ Welcome reception
+ A daily itinerary of guided activities, terrain recommendations and and hosted events
+ Up-to-the-minute trip updates, delivered to your mobile phone
+ Trip organization, guidance and assistance from two SKI BUMS professional trip leaders
+ Air transportation
+ Ground transportation
+ Ski and snowboard equipment rental
+ Lunches, three dinners, alcoholic drinks
+ Travel insurance
(very highly recommended)
+ Wednesday, March 9: Fly to Bozeman, transfer to Big Sky

+ Thursday Mar 9 - Sat, Mar 11: Ski & ride Big Sky

+ Sun March 13: Return home

SKI BUMS does not coordinate or assist with travel extensions. If you’d like to arrive earlier or depart later than these dates, you’ll need to contact the hotel and make a separate booking. You’ll pay the hotel directly. You may request to remain in the same room as our stay.
Our trip leaders design an itinerary that highlights the best of Big Sky, with up-to-the-minute reports that you'll receive on your mobile device (see below). View a sample itinerary >

The on-mountain adventure begins bright and early on Thursday. We divide into skill level groups that help you identify the other skiers and snowboarders who enjoy the same terrain that you do, and then we divide and conquer the mountain!
Learn about our skill level groups. >

In general, you'll spend most of the day in a smallish group of four or five skiers or boarders -- but that's up to you. The BUMS are a social crowd, so it's always easy to find others to join in the fun.

You and your group will set your own pace, and it's common to mix it up with a few different groups throughout the week. As the trip progresses, you can explore more terrain or spend some time relaxing at the hotel or spa. This is your vacation, so you're always free to break away and do your own thing.

We meet as a group for lunches and après-ski. And for two of our evenings, we'll dine together as a group. Other nights will be 'free nights’ for you to spend however you wish.

Prepare to bond; by the trip’s end, it'll be hard to believe that we've only spent five days together!
On the mountain: you should arrive in Montana with all your skiing & snowboarding apparel. SKI BUMS requires our trip participants to wear helmets while skiing & riding. See our helpful guide, How to Dress for the Mountain, for suggestions. Big Sky has ample gear & apparel shops, but prices will be a bit elevated, so pack wisely.

Off the mountain: all our events are casual dress. As you can pretty easily see, the BUMS are a casual, laid-back crowd; we aren't flashy. Be yourself, and be comfortable -- just as you would on any skiing / snowboarding trip.

A few vital packing tips:

+
Pack your skiing and snowboarding apparel in your carry on bag. Delayed luggage can arrive three days late; you won't want to have to buy all new stuff to make it onto the mountain.
+ Be sure to pack
winter wear shoes with a good tread; expect snowy, icy streets.
+ Don't forget
sunscreen for the high-altitude UV exposure, and a swimsuit for the hotel's pool!

Read our helpful tips on how to pack your gear for a skiing / snowboarding trip >
We limit the number of participants for all SKI BUMS trips. This trip is now SOLD OUT.

All registered SKI BUMS members are invited to add their name to our wait list — there’s no obligation. We receive cancellations for every trip, and when a new opening becomes available, we will contact our members by phone and email in the order that you’ve added your name to our list. To add your name, be sure you’ve got a current SKI BUMS membership. Membership is free.

Sign up or renew your membership >
Daily delicious breakfasts are included, with a hot buffet and omelet station to warm up your morning. Lunches are up to you; we'll meet as a group each day. In the evenings, we'll have dinner reservations on Thursday and Saturday. For our final evening meal, we’ll return to the restaurant that wowed us in 2013, the perfectly named Rainbow Ranch. You’ll enjoy a four-course gourmet dinner with complimentary wine pairings. This delicious meal is included in the trip price, and it’s a perfect way to celebrate the end of an incredible getaway!
We are happy to arrange roommates for you. If you’ve already got a roommate now, you can indicate so on the signup form. You can request a room with one bed or two.

If you don’t have a roommate lined up yet, that’s fine too! About half our participants ask us to provide a roommate for them. When signing up, you’ll simply indicate that you’d like a double occupancy. Later, we’ll ask a few easy questions about your preferences (if you prefer someone of your same age group or gender, for example), then match you accordingly with one of the BUMS.

We take those specific roommate requests about a month before the trip; we know that between now and then, you may have a friend decide to come — or you may hit it off with one of the trip participants at a SKI BUMS
local event.

If you prefer your own room, you may select a single occupancy. We collect the single occupancy supplement when you sign up (View "Pricing & Payment" below). Please note: there are only a small number of single occupancy slots available. Single occupancies tend to sell out very quickly.
Rest your head at the best hotel in Big Sky, the ski-in, ski-out Summit Hotel, located mere steps away from the lifts at the base of Big Sky Resort. This four-star property has an outdoor pool and hot tub, complimentary ski storage, in-room gas fireplaces, the signature Boyne bed and everything you'll need for a relaxing getaway. It's a handsome, well-appointed, modern spot with fantastic service and great views of the spectacular mountains just outside your window.

Learn more about the Summit Hotel at Big Sky >
While at Big Sky, most of what we’ll need is available right at the base. Although the base facilities are quite basic, there are stores with classic vacation necessities in case you’ve forgotten anything. If you ever want to take a taxi to town, the hotel can easily assist.
There are multiple Big Sky maps, offering different perspectives within the many facets of Lone Peak and the surrounding terrain. Click here to view the Big Sky trail maps >
SKI BUMS recommends that you take at least one lesson each season, no matter what your skill level is. Big Sky has a strong skiing & snowboarding school, and we’ll send detailed information to all our trip participants. If you’d like to discuss sharing an instructor with other BUMS, post a message in our Big Sky Facebook group.
About half of our participants will rent skis or snowboards. We do NOT recommend reserving equipment in advance; despite the chance to save some money, it often locks you into a particular rental shop that may not have the specific gear you'd prefer to use. Instead, we'll encourage you to arrive at our hotel with enough time to shop around and pick up gear that suits you. The Big Sky area has many rental shops, and we’ll point you toward the best shop where you can get a group discount for being part of the BUMS.
If you're new to the group or haven't joined us in a long time, click here to see how things work >
Want to see the SKI BUMS around the world who love the mountains as much as you do? When you post on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, use the hashtag #skibums!
Tell your friends about our adventure in Big Sky!
We've got lots of inside advice for those who are taking their first SKI BUMS trip. We invite you to view our invaluable trip tips, and take a moment to learn all about our professional trip leaders.
IMPORTANT NOTE: we do not permit skiers and snowboarders to arrange their own lodging and join our events without setting up a Custom Trip and pre-paying for our guided events and group meals. All SKI BUMS trips are designed for a specific number of people; learn how SKI BUMS trips work here. Custom Trip spaces are very limited. Contact us here to set up a Custom Trip >